"Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)" is the album by David Bowie, released in September 1980 by RCA Records. It was Bowie's final studio album for the label and his first following the so-called Berlin Trilogy of Low, "Heroes" and Lodger (1977–1979).
In the realm of musical iconoclasm, few artists have left as profound an impact as David Bowie. His ability to constantly reinvent himself while staying true to his artistic vision has made him a legend. "Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)", released in September 1980 by RCA Records, stands as a testament to Bowie's boundless creativity and his ability to push the boundaries of music and self-expression.
A Departure from the Berlin Trilogy
"Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps)" marked a pivotal moment in David Bowie's career. Following the acclaimed "Berlin Trilogy" (consisting of "Low", "Heroes", and "Lodger"), this album served as a departure from the experimental electronic soundscapes that defined those earlier records. It represented Bowie's return to a more accessible and rock-oriented sound while retaining his penchant for innovation.
This shift in musical direction was characteristic of Bowie's fearless exploration of new artistic landscapes. He refused to be confined by genre or expectation, and "Scary Monsters" was his canvas for redefining his sonic identity once again.
The Sonic Landscape
At the heart of "Scary Monsters" lies a sonic tapestry that fuses rock, new wave, and art pop. The album's tracks are a collection of vivid stories, introspective observations, and imaginative narratives that only Bowie could conjure. From the driving rhythms of "Fashion" to the haunting introspection of "Ashes to Ashes", each song offers a unique glimpse into Bowie's creative psyche.
The album's opener, "It's No Game (No. 1)", sets the tone with its juxtaposition of English and Japanese lyrics, a nod to Bowie's global influences and his willingness to experiment with language as an artistic medium. "Teenage Wildlife" showcases Bowie's ability to craft intricate narratives within his music, blending his distinctive vocals with layers of instrumental complexity.
Behind the Production Curtain
"Scary Monsters" owes much of its sonic brilliance to the collaborative efforts of David Bowie and legendary producer Tony Visconti. The album was recorded at Power Station in New York, a location that would become an incubator for the album's distinctive sound.
The album's artwork and cover design, a collaborative effort between Bowie and photographer Duffy, mirror the album's bold artistic direction. The cover, credited to Edward Bell, complements the album's themes of transformation and self-exploration.
A Symphony of Performers
Bowie's vision was brought to life by a cadre of talented musicians:
- Dennis Davis on percussion, adding a rhythmic pulse to the album's sonic landscape.
- George Murray on bass, anchoring the album with his steady and dynamic basslines.
- Carlos Alomar on guitars, infusing the music with a blend of rock and funk influences.
- Chuck Hammer and Robert Fripp, whose innovative guitar work added layers of texture and atmosphere.
- Roy Bittan and Andy Clark on keyboards, contributing to the album's diverse sound palette.
- Pete Townshend's guitar work on "Because You're Young", a collaboration that bridged generational and stylistic gaps.
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Music Genre: British 70s 80s Pop |
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Album Production Information: The album: "DAVID BOWIE - Scary Monsters" was produced by: David Bowie, Tony Visconti Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Tony Visconti, Larry Alexander, Jeff Hendrickson This album was recorded at: Power Station, New York Album cover design: David Bowie / Duffy Album cover : Edward Bell |
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Record Label Information: Black Label RCA BOW LP 2, PL 13647 |
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Packaging: T his album "DAVID BOWIE - Scary Monsters" includes the original custom inner sleeve with album details, complete lyrics of all songs by and artwork/photos. |
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Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone RecordTotal Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
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Year and Country: 1980 Made in USA |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: DAVID BOWIE - Scary Monsters |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "DAVID BOWIE - Scary Monsters" |
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The detailed tracklist of this record "DAVID BOWIE - Scary Monsters" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "DAVID BOWIE - Scary Monsters" |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone ). |
Album Back Cover Photo of "DAVID BOWIE - Scary Monsters" |
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Inner Sleeve of "DAVID BOWIE - Scary Monsters" Album |
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Photo of "DAVID BOWIE - Scary Monsters" Album's Inner Sleeve |
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Photo of "DAVID BOWIE - Scary Monsters" 12" LP Record |
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Close-up Photo of "DAVID BOWIE - Scary Monsters" Record Label |
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David Bowie, born David Robert Jones, was a British singer, songwriter, and actor who is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of popular music. With a career that spanned over five decades, Bowie continuously reinvented himself, pushing the boundaries of musical genres and styles.
Bowie was born in 1947, in Brixton, London, England. As a child, he showed an interest in music and began playing the saxophone at a young age. He later learned to play the guitar, piano, and other instruments, and began performing in bands as a teenager.
In 1969, Bowie released his first hit single, "Space Oddity," which tells the story of an astronaut named Major Tom who becomes lost in space. The song became an instant classic and launched Bowie's career as a solo artist. Over the next few years, Bowie released a series of albums that showcased his ability to blend rock, pop, and other musical styles into a unique and innovative sound.
In the mid-1970s, Bowie began to experiment with theatricality and gender ambiguity, adopting the persona of Ziggy Stardust, a flamboyant androgynous rock star. This period of his career, which included the albums "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" and "Aladdin Sane," cemented Bowie's reputation as a visionary artist who was unafraid to take risks and push boundaries.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Bowie continued to innovate, incorporating elements of electronic and dance music into his sound. He collaborated with other artists, including Queen, Tina Turner, and Mick Jagger, and released a string of hit albums and singles, including "Let's Dance," "Modern Love," and "Under Pressure."
In addition to his music, Bowie was also an accomplished actor, appearing in films such as "The Man Who Fell to Earth," "Labyrinth," and "The Prestige." He was also a fashion icon, known for his unique sense of style and his ability to blend different fashion elements into a cohesive whole.
Bowie's impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. He inspired generations of musicians and artists with his fearlessness, creativity, and willingness to experiment. He was a true original, and his influence can be seen in everything from fashion to film to music.
Tragically, Bowie passed away in 2016, just two days after his 69th birthday. His death was a shock to the music world and to his legions of fans, who mourned the loss of one of the greatest and most innovative artists of all time.
David Robert Jones was born in Brixton, Lambeth, London, England, United Kingdom on 08/01/1947. He was the second child of Haywood Stenton "John" Jones 21/11/1912 and Margaret Mary "Peggy" Burns 2/10/1913. His only brother was Terence Guy Adair Burns 05/11/1937./p>
When he was 22 years old, his father Haywood Stenton "John" Jones died (5/8/1969). When he was 54 years old, his mother Margaret Mary "Peggy" Burns died (2/4/2001)./p>
He married Iman Mohamed "Iman" Abdulmajid in Lausanne, District de Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland. His partner was Lindsay Kemp. His partner was Hermione Farthingale. On 19/3/1970, he married Mary Angela Barnett. He was 23 years old when he married Mary Angela Barnett. He got seperated from Lindsay Kemp in 1968. He got seperated from Hermione Farthingale in 1969. He got divorced from Mary Angela Barnett in Switzerland on 8/2/1980. He had one son with Mary Angela Barnett: Duncan Jones 30/5/1971. He had one daughter with Iman Mohamed "Iman" Abdulmajid: Alexandria "Lexi" Zahra Jones 2000./p>
On 10/1/2016, he died in New York City, New York County, New York, United States when he was 69 years old.